3 min read

Building Better Communities Through Thoughtful Design

By Jamie Bonnefin on Apr 14, 2026 11:54:42 AM

Part 3 — The Built Environment as a Living System

When people think about buildings, the focus often falls on structure, materials, and appearance. Yet the influence of the built environment extends far beyond the walls of any individual building.

Topics: Architecture Sustainability Energy Efficiency

4 min read

Why Energy Efficient Homes Make Economic Sense

By Jamie Bonnefin on Mar 27, 2026 8:23:15 AM

Part 2 — The Economics We Don’t Always See

I’ve been thinking about how much our built environment shapes daily life. Across Australia the rising cost of living has become a central concern for many households. Conversations often focus on interest rates, fuel prices, or inflation. Yet one of the most significant household expenses is rarely discussed in the same way. The cost of running the home itself.

Topics: Sustainability Energy Efficiency

7 min read

The Future of Sustainable Housing in Australia | Certified Energy

By Jamie Bonnefin on Mar 18, 2026 7:45:00 AM

By Team CE on Sep 22, 2025 3:33:19 PM

Unlock the secrets to hassle-free BASIX compliance and ensure your construction project meets all sustainability requirements with our comprehensive step-by-step guide.

Topics: BASIX Certificate

2 min read

Future-Proof Your Building with JV3 Compliance

Ensure a seamless VURB assessment with these essential documents and insights into the process, time frames, and final deliverables.

Topics: VURB

2 min read

VURB, NatHERS, And DTS: Choosing The Right Path For NCC Compliance

By Team CE on Sep 18, 2025 3:23:03 PM

Navigating the maze of NCC compliance can be challenging, but understanding VURB, NatHERS, and DTS will help you make informed decisions for your construction project.

Topics: VURB

2 min read

Curious About VURB Assessment Cost In Australia?

By Team CE on Sep 18, 2025 3:14:36 PM

Navigating the complexities of BASIX compliance is crucial for successful construction projects in New South Wales. Avoiding common pitfalls can save you time, money, and frustration.

Topics: BASIX BASIX Certificate BASIX Report

2 min read

How to Create an Efficient Energy Home using NatHERS

By Team CE on Jul 25, 2025 3:48:45 PM

Topics: Passive House

3 min read

Choosing the Best Lights for Circadian Rhythms

By Team CE on May 12, 2025 3:13:16 PM

Announcing our Participation in the NatHERS for Existing Homes Trial

By Team CE on Mar 11, 2025 2:27:26 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Topics: ESD NatHERS Energy Efficiency Energy Assessment 7 Star Homes Announcement

13 min read

How can a BASIX Consultant help improve the sustainability of your project?

By Team CE on Jan 28, 2025 4:41:13 PM

In this article, we're going to discuss:

Expertise in Sustainable Building Practices
Comprehensive BASIX Assessments
Optimising Water Efficiency
Enhancing Thermal Comfort
Maximising Energy Efficiency
Integrating Renewable Energy Solutions
Conclusion

Introduction

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern residential development. The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) was introduced by the NSW Government in 2004 as part of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act to promote sustainable residential development. BASIX aims to reduce water consumption by up to 40% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25%, (Certified Energy, 2024). thereby contributing to more resilient and environmentally friendly dwellings . Achieving these targets not only benefits the environment but also delivers financial savings for homeowners through reduced utility bills.

Topics: BASIX Sustainability BASIX Consultant

13 min read

DIY BASIX vs. Hiring a BASIX Consultant: Which is Right for Your Project?

By Team CE on Jan 28, 2025 1:48:56 PM

So you want to know whats best for your project, the DIY method, or hiring a BASIX Consultant? Well you've come to the right place!

Topics: BASIX BASIX Consultant

12 min read

What does a basix consultant do?

By Team CE on Jan 28, 2025 9:01:35 AM

If you've clicked on this article, chances are you're wondering: What does a BASIX Consultant do? What qualifications do they have? And should you hire a BASIX Consultant for your project, or complete your BASIX assessment using the DIY method? If so, you've come to the right place!

Topics: BASIX BASIX Certificate BASIX Consultant

14 min read

Basix certificates, who can do them?

By Team CE on Nov 21, 2024 4:26:25 PM

So who exactly can do BASIX certificates? The simple answer is that anyone can do a BASIX report using the Do-it-yourself (DIY) method via the BASIX online tool. However, it's not always that simple, and mistakes could lead to costly modifications later down the line, so let's dive into the role of Accredited Certifier's when it comes to BASIX Certificates.

Topics: BASIX BASIX Report BASIX Certificates

22 min read

Section J vs JV3, Know Which Method Suits your Project

By Team CE on Nov 14, 2024 5:30:00 PM

To ensure a seamless approval process that doesn't hold you down or end up costing more than it should, it's critical to determine which compliance technique works best for the development early on.
In this article, we're going to discuss:

Topics: Deemed to Satisfy Section J JV3 Commercial

17 min read

What is a Section J Report and When is it Required

By Team CE on Nov 7, 2024 3:39:24 PM

What is a Section J Report exactly, and when is it required?
In this article, we're going to discuss:

Understanding Section J Reports
When is a Section J Report Required?
Requirements for Compliance
How is Section J Assessed
Who can Perform a Section J Report?
Section J vs JV3

Introduction

In Australian commercial construction, energy efficiency is more than a trend—it's a necessity. Stricter regulations now demand sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Central to this effort is the Section J report, part of the National Construction Code (NCC).

Topics: Section J

15 min read

Beginners Guide to Thermal Performance Assessments

By Team CE on Oct 31, 2024 2:41:51 PM

This article is a beginners guide to Thermal Performance Assessments. So if you need to know "What is Thermal Performance?" specifically the thermal performance of buildings, than you've come to the right place. Lets begin

Topics: NatHERS Thermal Comfort Thermal Performance

21 min read

The BASIX of NSW Sustainability Requirements

By Team CE on Oct 31, 2024 12:02:11 PM

Let's start with the Basics of the BASIX Requirements, and when you need a BASIX Certificate.

Topics: BASIX Thermal Comfort Energy Efficiency BASIX Requirements

16 min read

7 Star Homes, the Future of Design is Efficient!

By Team CE on Oct 23, 2024 3:34:43 PM

So what sets a 7 star home apart in the world of energy efficient living?

Topics: NatHERS Energy Efficiency Energy Assessment 7 Star Homes Benefits of 7 Star Homes

3 min read

Introducing: NatHERS for Existing Homes

By Team CE on Aug 20, 2024 4:31:01 PM

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is now seeking consultation to include energy performance ratings for existing homes ahead of the launch in mid-2025. The recent updates to NatHERS will be leveraged to measure the home’s energy performance, providing ratings based on the home’s design, materials, constructions, fixed appliances, on-site energy generation and storage.

Topics: ESD NatHERS Star Rating Sustainability Energy Residential news

2 min read

Visualising the Impact of Climate Change on Landscapes

By Team CE on Apr 20, 2023 11:47:03 AM

Viewshed diagrams are a powerful tool for visualising the potential impact of climate change on landscapes and informing adaptation strategies. These diagrams depict the areas visible from a particular vantage point and provide valuable information about the surrounding landscape, including land use, topography, and vegetation cover. They are widely used in landscape planning, environmental impact assessments, and natural resource management.

Topics: ESD Sustainability Energy Climate Green Star Rating viewshed

2 min read

Emerging Technologies of Visual Impact Assessments

By Team CE on Apr 20, 2023 11:46:28 AM

Visual Impact Assessments (VIA) are an essential process used to evaluate the potential environmental impact of proposed projects on the surrounding community. These assessments help identify potential negative effects on the environment, wildlife, and people.

Topics: ESD Emerging Materials Sustainability Energy Climate visual impact assessment

3 min read

VIAs and Integration with Other Assessments

By Team CE on Apr 20, 2023 11:45:17 AM

Visual Impact Assessments (VIA) are an essential component of environmental assessments and are used to evaluate the potential visual impact of proposed projects on the surrounding environment and community. However, VIAs alone are not enough to fully evaluate the potential environmental impact of a project. That's why the integration of VIAs with other environmental assessments is crucial to ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of a project's potential impact.

Topics: ESD Architecture Climate Alterations & Additions viewshed visual impact assessment

4 min read

The Impact of Wind Turbines on ViewShed Diagrams

By Team CE on Apr 20, 2023 11:43:45 AM

The sustainable energy alternative, Wind Turbines, are often used in areas of wide open space to generate large amounts of electricity.

Topics: ESD Architecture Sustainability viewshed visual impact assessment wind turbines

2 min read

Should All Commercial Projects Have A WUFI Model Created?

By Team CE on Mar 7, 2023 2:26:36 PM

What is a WUFI Model?

Topics: Architecture Star Rating Sustainability Energy Insulation Materials Residential Commercial

3 min read

How to Manage Rising Building Costs with JV3

By Team CE on Mar 7, 2023 12:57:05 PM

A JV3 Report is an alternative assessment method for non-residential buildings which uses a reference building to compare the overall assumed energy consumption of new buildings with respect to their location and climate. Whereas, alternatively a Section J Report offers a simpler assessment and is more suitable for less complex projects.

Topics: Section J JV3 Commercial

4 min read

Passive Commercial Projects - A trend for a greener future

By Team CE on Feb 28, 2023 9:35:06 AM

What is a Passive House?

Topics: ESD Architecture Sustainability Passive House Commercial

3 min read

Section J vs. JV3 - When to use Which Compliance Method

By Team CE on Feb 28, 2023 9:32:04 AM

What’s the difference between a Section J and JV3?

Topics: ESD Section J Architecture Sustainability JV3 Commercial

2 min read

How to Manage Rising Building Costs for new builds and renovations

By Team CE on Feb 21, 2023 3:39:43 PM

Why Are Building Costs Rising?

Topics: ESD Glazing Architecture Sustainability Changes Energy Efficiency Insulation Green Star Rating Residential Alterations & Additions

6 min read

Passive House Retrofit

By Team CE on Feb 6, 2023 12:47:37 PM

What is a Passive House Retrofit?

Passive House retrofit is the process of upgrading an existing building to meet the Passive House standard. This typically involves improving the building's insulation, airtightness, and windows, and ensuring that the building has a good thermal envelope. A retrofitted Passive House should consume much less energy for heating and cooling and provide a comfortable indoor environment with good air quality.

Retrofitting an existing building to Passive House standards can be challenging and may require significant work and investment. However, the benefits of a retrofitted Passive House can be substantial, including significant energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and improved indoor comfort.

Retrofitting a building to Passive House standards usually begins with an energy assessment to identify the building's current energy consumption and areas for improvement. Then, an energy-efficient design is developed, taking into account the specific conditions of the building, such as

its orientation, size, and existing materials. The retrofit work is then carried out, including adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading the building's windows. Finally, the retrofitted building is tested to ensure that it meets the Passive House standard.

And in return, when a retrofit achieves Passive House standards, the home is certified as EnerPHit for certified retrofits.

Topics: ESD Architecture Sustainability Passive House Residential passive house australia Retrofit

4 min read

Passive House: Comfortable Homes are the Future!

By Team CE on Jan 31, 2023 3:50:21 PM

The Passive House standard of construction provides a comfortable habitable space by means of reducing thermal bridges, high performance glazing and smart design for solar gain producing a sustainable airtight solution. Passive House buildings are already being built in a variety of climates and building types, including single-family homes, multi-family buildings, schools and commercial buildings, showing that the standard can be adapted to different projects and contexts.

This ability to significantly adapt to the changes in climate enables superiorly comfortable temperatures throughout the construction. The building’s inhabitants will receive the benefits of a temperate environment, reducing the use of expensive climate controls like air conditioning. The Passive House solution also supports the comfort of the user, not only through an evenly temperate environment, but through airtight construction the mitigation of sound transmission, dust, bugs and moisture.

Passive House prioritises energy efficiency and comfort, offering a future proof solution to the increasing needs of all stakeholders. Sustainable construction is already seen as the answer to the climate crisis which is where the Passive House standard offers solutions that are beneficial to both the environment and inhabitants.

Topics: ESD Architecture Thermal Comfort Sustainability Passive House Benefits of Passive House

5 min read

The Thermal Balance Challenge - How Efficient is Your Design?

By Team CE on Jan 31, 2023 3:29:47 PM

Topics: ESD Architecture Certification Update NatHERS Star Rating

6 min read

Introduction to Passive House

By Team CE on Jan 31, 2023 2:25:20 PM

By Team CE on Jul 9, 2021 1:35:44 PM

With climate change being at the forefront of challenges we must begin to address, we have to reconcile with adapting our lives to the state of the world we live in. From buying tote bags and metal straws to reducing meat consumption, much of the actions we are to personally take are often cumbersome. It hurts my soul to limit my steak burrito intake to once a week! Unlike most of these personal adjustments, however, adopting a Passive House Design layout for your home would not only improve your living standards but come with a myriad of benefits for homeowners and landlords alike!

Topics: ESD Energy Efficiency Passive House Residential passive house australia

4 min read

Eaves and thermal comfort

By Team CE on May 12, 2021 11:44:47 AM

We've found 5 quick and easy tips that will help guide on how to make your decisions in building a sustainable home.